Young and undocumented in America

Itzel Guillen, left, sorts out some of the documents she needs to apply for a work permit along with Lucero Maganda, right, at her home Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012, in San Diego. Guillen and Maganda are among those hoping for the right to work legally in America without being deported. The Obama Administration’s “Dream Act," or the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, could expand the rights of more than 1 million young illegal immigrants. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
— AP

Itzel Guillen, left, sorts out some of the documents she needs to apply for a work permit along with Lucero Maganda, right, at her home Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012, in San Diego. Guillen and Maganda are among those hoping for the right to work legally in America without being deported. The Obama Administration’s “Dream Act," or the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, could expand the rights of more than 1 million young illegal immigrants. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
/ AP

It has been little more than two weeks since the application window began for deferred action, the benefit that keeps young undocumented immigration brought to the country as children from deportation for two years.

It offers no legal status and can be renewed after two years, if the program continues, but it's a reprieve from removal and it also comes with a work permit.

Critics of the program have said it is nothing more than a stall tactic that could eventually land young people who apply in hot water with immigration officials. At the very least, they call it a waste of money, time and hope.

Univision does a good job of addressing the critics and talking with young people about why it is indeed worth it to them. Read it HERE.

The offer of deferred action may not even reach all of those who should qualify if they were to choose to apply, according to Human Rights Watch. Migrant children who pick oranges and harvest strawberries may have a hard time proving how long they have been in the country by nature of their nomadic existence and many quit school before graduation because of the demanding work they do (which is allowed by the government for those younger than 16). Read it HERE.

Not related to deferred action but also dealing with young people is a recent New York Times article outlining how unaccompanied and undocumented children are being caught trying to enter the country illegally in record numbers. Now many of the minors face immigration judges on their own and, sometimes, without representation. Some of the kids are as young as 6-years-old. Worth a read. Check it out HERE.